Director’s Message: January 2009
By Gary Mazaroff

USA Wins, USA Wins, USA Wins, USA Wins, USA Wins, USA Wins!  This redundancy is a not so subtle response to the six stars draped on the back of the shirt of each Team Mexico player. These stars were worn as a symbol of the six consecutive World Team Championships garnered by Team Mexico. At the 20th IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships, held December 15-20, 2008 at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona USA, Mexico’s streak came to a halt!

Many thanks to our staff coming in from Argentina, Canada, California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.  They helped in many ways, shapes, and forms; officiating and calling lines, environmental and crowd control, operations and computer desk, and more!  The ‘Junior Worlds’ is an annual event and has become the most important tournament under the International Racquetball Federation banner.  Seventeen countries participated, representing about 300 athletes; ages 6-18. 
This coming December, the event goes to Dom. Republic.

The quality of play elevates each year.  One reason is the development of the sport around the world, especially within this hemisphere.  Countries like Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Venezuela now compete close to par with the USA, Mexico, and Canada.  This was not true a few years ago!

Coaching and Instruction have become critical for success.  At ASU, many delegations had hands-on coaching.  The coaching and instructing arenas are open for qualified individuals aspiring to travel abroad.  Add to this mix some officiating skills and one might be able to write a new job description.

With a few strong racquetball athletes on a team, a country can vie for precious medals in international competition.  Olympic Committees open their eyes wide when a sport earns a gold, silver, or bronze medal.  This is especially true for the smaller, poorer countries.  In spite of conditions, as medals are brought home, more funding comes available to athletes and staff.   A real model for this stance is that both Bolivia and Ecuador brought about thirty athletes to Arizona.  On another note, Ms. Kim, a quality 16 year old deaf athlete, represented Korea.

What is important to note is that racquetball is growing and the evidence can be seen each year at the IRF Junior World Championships.  Team USA decided a few years back that getting humbled on the court did not go over well.  They have responded with a concerted effort to develop a junior player base, coaching and training base, continuity, and fundraising support.  Hats off to Mexico’s Paola Longoria, who finished her junior career with the 18 and Under Singles Title, while her compatriot in that age division, Ruben Estrada, was fighting for his life back home.  We are pleased to report that Ruben is on the mend and one should not be surprised to see him back on the court soon.

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